FIFA confirm Mary Earps WAS on her line for penalty save in Women’s World Cup final despite images suggesting it should have been retaken

FIFA have confirmed England Women’s goalkeeper Mary Earps was on her line for her penalty save against Spain in the World Cup final, which the Lionesses went on to lose 1-0.

The kick was awarded for a handball after a VAR check, but Earps ensured the deficit was not increased with a solid save to her left.

A screenshot shared on Twitter from BBC Sport’s coverage of the game appears to show Earps was off her line when the penalty was taken.

This could have resulted in the penalty being re-taken, giving Spain another chance to double their lead.

However, FIFA have now confirmed that her positioning was checked by VAR and found that her foot was on the line when the penalty was taken. 

It didn’t calm the debate online, though, as one fan suggested it could have been a ‘big moment’ in the game, while others felt the England star was ‘clearly off her line.’

Mary Earps may have been off her line when saving a penalty in the World Cup final

The England stopper dived across well and caught the spot kick easily to keep the score at 1-0

Another argued the penalty ‘never’ should have been given in the first place due to the lengthy VAR check that led to it.

The ball did appear to brush Kiera Walsh’s arm, but it was close to her body and moved only slightly as the ball came towards her.

Off her line or not, the penalty save was one of several key contributions from Earps, who was among England’s best players in the final. 

The Man United stopper was named goalkeeper of the tournament after conceding just four goals throughout. 

Spain held on to win the final, their first ever Women’s World Cup victory.

Sarina Wiegman’s side improved after the break, but couldn’t quite find an eqauliser against a well-drilled opposition.

Earps was awarded the World Cup Golden Glove after conceding just four goals in the tournament

Spain held on to their 1-0 lead despite a better performance from England in the second half